PSLE - New Format for Maths

[tamarind]

enoawng:

Thanks everyone. My view is that algebra is more suited for complex problems and in particular its ability to frame complex problems so that we can understand it and solve it step by step.

I am bewildered and annoyed why forumers insist that combination of models/heuristic & partial algebra is the more powerful method to solve complex problems.

However I do acknowledge that using simple models teaches our kids think differently when approaching a problem.

Nevertheless I can only speculate that those who insists on model being the best method for complex problems have self interest in mind to further the intake of students for maths tuition.

Like to hear the views of others.

I totally agree with you about algebra. In fact, when students study higher mathematics like Calculus, algebra and equations are extremely important. Models/heuristics are useless at higher levels.

I am surprised that many of my students who already passed O level maths, are very weak in algebra and equations. They really struggle when learning Calculus, etc. Something must have gone wrong somewhere in the education system.

I believe that algebra can be taught as soon as the child fully understands addition/subtraction/multiplication/division, which can be as early as K2, depending on the learning ability of the child.

[enoawng]

Augmum:

NYCWTC:

no worry, it won't. as i had extracted and posted out the MOE official reply to a strait times' letter which was written in 2007.

but, if using algebra to solve, partial marks will not be given if the final answer is wrong, unlike models, a straight zero.
(off course , this is not from MOE reply, it is from my daughter's past experience of school exam papers).

Yes I have noticed that primary school teachers have given zero marks to students who solved using the algebra method correctly for one of the unknowns (e.g., number of boys) when the question asked for the number of girls.

I think someone should ask MOE to make it clear whether forming the algebric statements should be allocated marks.

If indeed using algebra means getting Zero marks or full marks, there maybe a clear discrimination against the algrebric method.

[Tang]

enoawng:

Augmum:

[quote=\"NYCWTC\"]
no worry, it won't. as i had extracted and posted out the MOE official reply to a strait times' letter which was written in 2007.

but, if using algebra to solve, partial marks will not be given if the final answer is wrong, unlike models, a straight zero.
(off course , this is not from MOE reply, it is from my daughter's past experience of school exam papers).

Yes I have noticed that primary school teachers have given zero marks to students who solved using the algebra method correctly for one of the unknowns (e.g., number of boys) when the question asked for the number of girls.

I think someone should ask MOE to make it clear whether forming the algebric statements should be allocated marks.

If indeed using algebra means getting Zero marks or full marks, there maybe a clear discrimination against the algrebric method.

[/quote]
When I was in P6, I drew the models correctly, but had problem making them same unit size. So I wrote the 2 statements (equations) expressing them in Big units and Small units based on the models. As I had problem handling the negative sign then, I ended up with a wrong answer. I was given big red zero.

I asked my math teacher why no mark given for my models and 2 correct statements which were correct. She just replied that no mark would be awarded.

So now I know why!

[kiasiparent]

enoawng:

Augmum:

[quote=\"NYCWTC\"]
no worry, it won't. as i had extracted and posted out the MOE official reply to a strait times' letter which was written in 2007.

but, if using algebra to solve, partial marks will not be given if the final answer is wrong, unlike models, a straight zero.
(off course , this is not from MOE reply, it is from my daughter's past experience of school exam papers).

Yes I have noticed that primary school teachers have given zero marks to students who solved using the algebra method correctly for one of the unknowns (e.g., number of boys) when the question asked for the number of girls.

I think someone should ask MOE to make it clear whether forming the algebric statements should be allocated marks.

If indeed using algebra means getting Zero marks or full marks, there maybe a clear discrimination against the algrebric method.

[/quote]I believe marks will be given if the workings are shown clearly in algebra.

For example, you need to first define what G stands for. G will stand for no of girls etc. and B to stand for no. of boys.

Then if you get the number of boys correct, you should be given some marks.

[kiasiparent]

This year’s PSLE maths was tough because last year’s was too easy. It was so easy last year that a lot of students completed the questions 10 to 15 mins before the time was up.


Many scored 100% or close to 100%. Some get 1 or 2 wrongs and were already upset as they felt they might not get A* already. Most of them still get A* anyway.

[HoSayLiao]

Hi, i am a private maths tutor. After seeing some of the more difficult questions, I think we can give up on drawing models liao. Next year onwards, i will be teaching my P6 students algebra and for good measure, trigonometry (Python’s theorem and toa cah soh).


That is the way to go!!!

[atutor2001]

HoSayLiao:

Hi, i am a private maths tutor. After seeing some of the more difficult questions, I think we can give up on drawing models liao. Next year onwards, i will be teaching my P6 students algebra and for good measure, trigonometry (Python's theorem and toa cah soh).


That is the way to go!!!

Don't forget to teach them integration to find the area under a curve of speed time graph too. It may come in handy. :lol:

[HoSayLiao]

[quote]Don't forget to teach them integration to find the area under a curve of speed time graph too. It may come in handy.[/quote]

I dun think integration or speed time graph is necessary yet. However, toa cah soh and python theorem will be useful this year for the geometry question.

Also, permutations and combinations will also be useful. My students will then be able to explain to the mothers why 4D got 24 beatings.

[Mandy-Alex]

HoSayLiao:

Hi, i am a private maths tutor. After seeing some of the more difficult questions, I think we can give up on drawing models liao. Next year onwards, i will be teaching my P6 students algebra and for good measure, trigonometry (Python's theorem and toa cah soh).


That is the way to go!!!

Hi Liao,
Would you like to translate for those, who don't speak Chinese Mandarin or any Dialect of Chinese! \"Toa cah soh\" - :roll:?
Thanks in advance!
Mandy

[atutor2001]

HoSayLiao:

...Also, permutations and combinations will also be useful. My students will then be able to explain to the mothers why 4D got 24 beatings...

I like that. Then they will learn earlier not to be so silly to waste money on TOTO :lol: